Glenfield Hospital visiting times typically run from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm daily across most adult wards, with exceptions for specialist units and children’s wards. These visiting hours are designed to offer flexibility while ensuring patient care and recovery remain the priority.
Planning a visit to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester? Whether you’re visiting a loved one on a general ward, the Clinical Decisions Unit, or the maternity wing, knowing the exact times and current guidelines is essential.
This guide provides the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, restrictions, and special arrangements for parents, carers, and family members.
With recent changes to NHS policies and infection control practices, staying informed can help you avoid disappointment and ensure a smoother visit. Read on for a complete breakdown of when you can visit, who can accompany you, and what to expect when you arrive.
Glenfield Hospital Visiting Times
General Wards and Visiting Hours
Glenfield Hospital’s general adult wards welcome visitors between 11:00 am and 8:00 pm, seven days a week. These extended hours are designed to accommodate families with varying schedules while maintaining a calm, therapeutic environment for patients.
During visiting hours, up to two visitors per patient are allowed at any one time. However, these visits should not interfere with clinical routines or protected mealtimes.
Visitors are encouraged to avoid 09:00–10:00 and 12:00–13:00, when many wards enforce quiet periods to ensure patients receive proper nourishment and rest.
All visitors should report to the relevant ward upon arrival and may be asked to confirm the patient’s name and relationship. If a patient is being cared for in isolation or under special precautions, nursing staff will provide specific instructions to maintain safety protocols.
Staying informed and following these guidelines ensures a smoother visit and supports the well-being of patients and hospital staff alike.
Clinical Decisions Unit
The Clinical Decisions Unit (CDU) at Glenfield Hospital follows the standard visiting window of 11:00–20:00, but enforces stricter rules around meal times and patient privacy due to the high turnover and critical care nature of the unit.
During protected mealtimes, typically from 09:00 to 10:00 and 12:00 to 13:00, visitors are not permitted unless there are special arrangements in place, such as supporting patients with additional needs. These restrictions help ensure that patients can eat undisturbed and that staff can focus on clinical care.
Additionally, visitors to the CDU should be aware that seating may be limited, and visits might be shortened during peak admission periods. To avoid unexpected delays, it’s wise to call ahead and confirm any special requirements or ward-specific updates.
Respecting these protocols not only helps maintain order in a busy unit but also shows consideration for both patient recovery and staff workflow.
Maternity Ward Visiting Policy
Glenfield Hospital’s maternity wards have tailored visiting hours designed to support both new mothers and their babies, while also accommodating family bonding time. Visiting times here are structured to ensure privacy, rest, and essential postnatal care.
One designated birth partner is permitted to stay overnight, offering continuous support to the mother. A second support person and siblings may visit daily from 09:00 to 20:00.
Additional visitors (up to two at a time) are welcome during two key windows: 14:00–16:00 and 18:00–20:00. At no point should there be more than three people around the patient’s bedside.
Siblings are welcome during daytime visits, but should be accompanied and remain supervised at all times. Visitors are also reminded to maintain quiet and avoid using mobile phones around sleeping mothers and newborns.
These arrangements aim to strike a balance between family involvement and creating a calm, healing space for recovery and bonding. It’s recommended to speak with the ward team in advance if any special needs or concerns arise.
Children’s Wards
At Glenfield Hospital, children’s wards operate under a more flexible visiting policy recognising the importance of family support for young patients. Parents or primary carers are generally allowed open visiting, meaning there are no strict time limits on when they can be with their child.
In fact, one parent or carer is often encouraged to stay overnight, providing comfort and reassurance during the hospital stay.
This is especially important for younger children or those with complex medical needs. Siblings and other family members are usually allowed to visit during standard hospital visiting hours, but visiting times can vary depending on the ward and the child’s condition.
All visitors to children’s wards must follow infection control measures, including hand hygiene and sometimes wearing protective clothing, to safeguard vulnerable patients. It is also important for visitors to check in with nursing staff on arrival to ensure visiting does not disrupt treatments or rest periods.
The hospital prioritises creating a child-friendly environment that balances safety with emotional support, helping young patients feel secure and cared for throughout their stay.
Special Circumstances & Exceptions
Overnight Stays & Carer Access
Glenfield Hospital recognises the critical role carers and close family members play in patient recovery, especially for those requiring ongoing support. Under certain circumstances, patients can have visitors stay overnight most commonly in maternity wards and children’s units, but also for adult patients who qualify.
Visitors who provide essential care and hold a carer passport may request extended or overnight visiting rights. This approval is granted on a case-by-case basis by the Ward Sister or Matron, balancing the patient’s needs with hospital capacity and infection control requirements.
It is important to note that overnight stays are accommodated in designated areas such as visitor chairs or fold-out beds, not on the patient’s bed or floor. Visitors must follow the hospital’s policies to maintain hygiene and minimise disruption.
If you believe overnight care is necessary, it is recommended to discuss this directly with the ward staff in advance to understand the specific options available.
Visiting ICU, Oncology, or High-Risk Units
Certain wards at Glenfield Hospital, including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Oncology, and other specialised departments, have stricter visiting policies due to the sensitive nature of care and infection risks.
Visiting hours in these units can be shorter and are often subject to approval by clinical staff. Visitor numbers may be limited to reduce the risk of infection, and all visitors must comply with stringent hygiene and protective equipment guidelines.
For patients in critical care, visits may sometimes be restricted to immediate family only, and visits may be coordinated through the ward nurse or consultant.
If you plan to visit someone in one of these specialised wards, it’s advisable to contact the unit beforehand to confirm visiting arrangements and any specific rules.
COVID-19 and Infection Control Protocols
While the most severe COVID-19 restrictions have been eased, Glenfield Hospital continues to prioritise infection control to protect vulnerable patients.
Visitors are advised to postpone visits if they have any symptoms such as cough, fever, or diarrhoea, or if they have recently been exposed to contagious illnesses.
Mask-wearing is currently not mandatory but may be recommended or required in certain wards, especially when caring for immunocompromised patients. Hand sanitising stations are widely available, and visitors should use these upon entering and leaving wards.
The hospital regularly updates its visitor policies based on national NHS guidance and local health authority recommendations to maintain safety.
Planning Your Visit
What to Bring and What to Avoid
When visiting Glenfield Hospital, it’s important to come prepared to ensure your visit goes smoothly and respectfully. Visitors should bring a valid form of ID if requested, along with any essentials the patient may need, such as personal items or comfort aids.
However, certain items are discouraged or prohibited to maintain hospital hygiene and safety. Avoid bringing flowers to wards with immunocompromised patients or areas where they may trigger allergies. Large bags or unnecessary belongings should be left at home or in your vehicle to reduce clutter and infection risks.
Remember to adhere to any ward-specific guidelines on mobile phone use, food and drink, and restricted items like sharp objects or alcohol.
Parking and Accessibility at Glenfield Hospital
Glenfield Hospital provides multiple parking options for visitors, including short-term and long-stay car parks located close to the main entrances. It’s advisable to check the hospital website for current parking fees and availability before your visit, as spaces can fill quickly during peak times.
For visitors with mobility issues, designated disabled parking bays are available near entrances, and the hospital is wheelchair accessible throughout. If you require additional assistance or wheelchair access, contacting the hospital’s patient services ahead of time can help arrange support.
Public transport links to Glenfield Hospital are well established, with bus routes serving Leicester city and surrounding areas.
Contacting the Ward Before Visiting
To avoid any surprises, it’s always a good idea to call the ward or department before your visit. Staff can provide up-to-date information on visiting times, any temporary restrictions, and advice on arrival procedures.
Contact details are typically available on the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust website or via the hospital switchboard. Providing the patient’s full name and ward will help staff assist you promptly.
Being informed ahead of time helps ensure your visit is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Glenfield Hospital without an appointment?
Yes, you can visit Glenfield Hospital during designated visiting hours without an appointment. However, it is advisable to check with the specific ward beforehand as some units, especially specialist or high-risk areas, may have restrictions or require prior arrangement.
How many visitors are allowed per patient?
Generally, up to two visitors per patient are allowed at any one time in most wards. Exceptions may apply in maternity, children’s wards, or specialised units where the number of visitors and visiting times can differ to ensure patient safety and comfort.
Are children allowed to visit patients at Glenfield Hospital?
Children can visit most wards but should be accompanied by an adult at all times. Visiting policies for children vary by ward, with parents or primary carers allowed open access in children’s wards. It’s best to confirm specific rules with the ward before visiting.
Conclusion
Understanding Glenfield Hospital visiting times and policies is key to planning a successful and stress-free visit.
With general visiting hours from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, and tailored arrangements for maternity, children’s wards, and special units, the hospital strives to balance patient care with family support.
Remember to check ahead with specific wards for any restrictions or updates, and always follow infection control guidelines to protect patients and staff.
Whether you’re visiting a loved one for a short time or staying overnight as a carer, being informed ensures your visit is positive and respectful.
For more detailed information and advice, consider contacting the hospital directly or explore our other guides on Leicester’s hospitals.
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